In response to "No clear signal on cellphone ban impact" (March 30):

Sure, chat away on that cell phone, but it could kill you

Although it's easy to believe you can use a cellphone and drive safely, truth is - maybe.

But what often occurs is a condition I call "driving blind." It's when you can point the car, but actually do not see most of what is going on around you. A good example is the Cable Vision rep who was on her cellphone, stopped at a stop sign at a busy intersection, then proceeded to pull out dead into the path of a telephone pole drilling-and-setting truck traveling 60 mph.

She never knew what hit her.

Mel D. Gardner

Albemarle

In response to "Issue in talks: Loan remedies" (March 30):

Plenty of us lost money; unfair to reduce mortgages for some

Why is it fair to allow mortgage reductions for some just because they are upside down on an investment? I didn't see anyone rushing in to make me whole on my IRA or my car.

People made a lot of money in real estate as this bubble was built. People will make a lot of money as the market recovers.

I absolutely feel for those struggling to make ends meet through no fault of their own. They are the ones who should really be getting help - through church, charity, etc. - not the government. However, I would argue our country's entitlement mentality has few bounds as many fail to take responsibility for their financial commitments.

Jaren Kiser

Monroe

In response to "N.C. jobless rate dips, barely" (March 26):

We're losing jobs while U.S. companies add jobs overseas

North Carolina's tiny dip in unemployment is hardly good news. And until corporate America stops hiring offshore, regular America won't go back to work any time soon. Over the past two years, home-grown corporations laid off 500,000 Americans but added 730,000 jobs - overseas! (See "The Week," March 18.)

Large U.S. corporations dump American jobs with the help of our government, which refuses to tax their overseas earnings and considers the cost of closing an American plant a legitimate tax deduction. Can anyone spell D-E-F-I-C-I-T?

Let's face it, America. Our corporate masters run the show - and they don't like us anymore.

Terry Taylor-Allen

Charlotte

Music to my ears to hear Charlotte - minus the N.C.

The writer is a former U.S. diplomat and Myers Park High grad.

In his speech Monday, President Barack Obama referred to Charlotte - without adding "North Carolina." Born and raised in Charlotte, and growing up with "the largest city in the two Carolinas" a constant refrain, it has long been a pet peeve of mine that Charlotte did not stand alone like other important regional cities - Indianapolis or Denver come to mind.

It will take some time to see if President Obama's Libya policy turns out right, but his decoupled reference to Charlotte was certainly right and welcome!

Rick Inderfurth

McLean, Va.

In response to "Day care for seniors may be cut" (March 30) and related articles:

Judicious tax increase could make this community stronger

I support efforts to cut wasteful spending by government, but at some point, when the cuts begin to inflict harm on various segments of our citizenry, I think we have an obligation to consider raising our taxes to pay to have the quality of community we all say we want. Having a government that supports the services that make a strong community would also benefit us as we seek to encourage businesses to locate here.

Loretta Wertheimer

Davidson

In response to "City Council OKs affordable housing policy" (March 30):

Don't destroy my neighborhood by allowing subsidized housing

It's beyond me why the Charlotte City Council would vote to destabilize good communities like Steele Creek with its new housing policy, which we know will only bring undesirables into the community.

Steele Creek is a mixed, vibrant community of working-class people who've created an escape from crime-ridden squalor. Many residents have come here from other parts of the country. I brought my family from The Bronx.

Hasn't the City Council seen what liberal residential policies have done to cities like Detroit and Trenton? I see Fort Mill and Clover beckoning.

Lee Anthony Nieves

Charlotte

In response to "Charter school bill deserves legislative, Observer's support" (March 24 Opinion):

Charter schools want same tax dollars, but offer fewer services

In discussing the charter school bill making its way through the legislature, one key fact has been omitted by the N.C. Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Though they demand the same percentage of taxpayer dollars per pupil, charter schools do not want to provide transportation or meals. They want the same per pupil expenditure but do not want to provide the services. This charter school bill is the proverbial camel's nose under the tent. The real question: Is North Carolina ready for private school vouchers?

Kim Hargett

Marshville